In order to understand what the New England Patriots did in their draft over the weekend, you have to understand their objectives. They were trying to 1) improve their defense against the pass; 2) revamp their offensive line for the future by drafting 300-pound plus linemen that will not only protect Drew Bledsoe, but protect him in another way: allow Curtis Martin to run the ball 25-30 times per game.

You can argue with the players they chose, but not with their intentions. Because they were a Super Bowl team, they had the luxury of being able to draft players who might not be ready right now, but who have tremendous upside and if they work out and add depth to the team, that's pretty much what the Patriots were looking to do. They went for size (drafting three 300-pound plus offensive linemen) and speed and decided to draft for depth needs rather than "the best player available" which is what they could have done. Overall, their draft gets a thumbs up. The only need they were unable to fill was a backup tight end for Ben Coates. If Carroll goes with a two-tight end set a lot, they could have used a good young tight end, but for now that will likely be Keith Byars, who was used in that role a lot last year.

"We got about 1,000 pounds of offensive line, a little receiver and returner and we got a linebacker we wanted to get. We shored up our defensive backfield and added a rush to our defensive line. We have a few spots to fill up through free-agency, but we accomplished what we set out to do," said coach Pete Carroll.

By taking Kansas State corner Chris Canty first on the 29th selection of the first round, they were telling the world that the pick doesn't have to start right away. The Patriots and the rest of the world know that Canty is undersized, no more than 5-9 (and that's a reach) and that bigger receivers might have a field day on him if he can't offset it with his excellent leaping ability. The rap sheet on him is that he's too cocky and too much a Deion Sanders wannabe, but the Patriots know that such players get humbled quickly in professional football. Anyway, the Patriots would like to have a guy who exudes confidence back there. Why not? Troubling some is the fact that Canty has another rap sheet, a DUI that he incurred while driving on campus last December. He has performed community service and has put it behind him, but after the Christian Peter incident last season, Patriots Nation was a little skeptical at first.

"We've checked his background thoroughly," said Patriots vice president of player personnel Bobby Grier, "and we feel this was a one-time incident."

Beyond Canty, the Patriots selected safety Chris Carter as their second pick in the third round. The Patriots needed defensive backs because they do not intend to re-sign veteran unrestricted free-agents Ricky Reynolds, Otis Smith or safety Terry Ray. They are giving the starting left corner job to Steve Israel, a San Francisco 49ers nickel back until now, who Carroll believes is ready to fly on his own finally. Canty will be broken in gradually and he'll also act as a constant push for veteran returner Dave Meggett, who received more impetus to get his contract renegotiated to something lower than the $1.5 million he's scheduled to earn, or perhaps lose his punt and kick return job to Canty or to Miami receiver Tony Gaiter, who the Patriots took for the fun of it in the sixth round.

Also helping the first objective of improving their pass rush was drafting Brandon Mitchell, a DE/DT from Texas A&M with their second round pick. The Patriots love his speed and inside pass rush which they desperately need. Both Carroll and Grier admitted that they would have chosen Clemson defensive end Trevor Pryce with their first pick, but Denver beat them to the punch on the 28th pick of the first round. The Patriots then went with Canty, but were hoping a good DL was around in the second round.

Mitchell is considered a classic underachiever with excellent athletic ability. He was timed at 4.87 in the 40-yard dash, good speed for defensive end. Scouts say he has a strong first move and superb lateral movement, but the rap on him was that he didn't go all-out on every play. He sacked the quarterback six times last season (with eight quarterback pressures), six in 1995 and nine sacks in 1994.

Having solved some of their defensive needs, they then concentrated on their offense. With the first pick of the third round, (one of the two compensatory picks they received for allowing Bill Parcells to coach the Jets), they nabbed Sedrick Shaw, a 6-0, 214-pound running back from Iowa, who reminds everyone of Curtis Martin.

Why would the Patriots take a running back with the 61st pick?

Probably because Carroll has said that Martin will carry the ball a lot more than his previous two seasons in the NFL and the Patriots don't have a guy who can back Martin up and still be of that quality. Shaw also gives the Patriots insurance in case they decide not to keep Meggett.

Shaw wasn't thrilled with going to a team that has a young starting back.

"I thought I'd get picked a little higher," said Shaw. "I felt today was a little long and frustrating, but this is an opportunity for me."

Carter, cousin of Toronto baseball player Joe Carter, was a strong, hard-hitting safety at Texas. His strengths are his leadership ability and his speed. Willie Clay is New England's starter and he's a smaller type free-safety. Carter, at 6-2, gives the Patriots a little size there. Some thought this was a wasted pick for the second pick in the third round considering he had a poor senior year after a strong junior season, but Carter should be a good special teams player and be used in the dime package.

But the most exciting pick of all and the player some believe could start the soonest for the Patriots is Michigan guard Damon Denson, who went as the first pick of the fourth round (another compensatory pick from the Jets).

Carroll said the Patriots received several calls from other teams trying to trade up Sunday morning to chose Denson, who fell from what many thought was a second-round pick.

"Denson's got some nasty about him," said Carroll. "He's an offensive lineman who has played defense and he brings some defensive traits to the position which is good. We're anxious to get him into our mini-camp."

ROUND-BY- ROUND ANALYSIS

Round 1/29 -- CB Chris Canty, Kansas State

Considered a great athlete with great instincts and decent speed. He shows explosive acceleration and is considered a strong tackler. With his size, he might have problems one-on-one against bigger NFL receivers, but his confidence and cockiness and what is considered excellent leaping ability should make up for lack of size in most cases. Ranks second on the school's all-time list with 14 interceptions. He's also an excellent punt returner (11.0 yards per punt) and could be groomed as a kick returner. He was a unanimous first-team All-America and All-Big Twelve Conference choice. The Patriots wanted a bigger corner (Michael Booker), but will take a gamble that Canty's aggressive nature will make up for it.

Round 2/58 -- DE Brandon Mitchell, Texas A&M

Considering he played for a lousy team and didn't have a great senior year, but has great skills, this was a good pick at this choice. Considered an excellent pass rusher with a strong physique. Excels at escaping blockers with good hand usage and had good lateral spin moves. Is considered an underachiever who might be a better pro player than he was a college player. He started the last 35 games for the Aggies.

Round 3/61 -- RB Sedrick Shaw, Iowa

Why take a running back here? The Patriots were trying to provide Curtis Martin with a bona fide backup and so they took a guy who resembles Martin most. With Martin carrying the ball more this upcoming season, the Patriots wanted to make sure they had someone who could step in and play if Martin got hurt and Shaw appears an excellent choice. He gained 1,116 yards and averaged five yards per catch and caught 14 passes for 79 yards, but projects to be a better pass catcher in the pros. Has gained 4,156 yards on 837 carries with 33 touchdowns in his career, school records. Considered an improving blocker. He could also become a kick returner.

Round 3/89 -- FS Chris Carter, Texas

A questionable pick with this choice. He's considered a physical player who shows excellent hip turn as he charges for the ball. He possesses great change of direction agility and can overpower the larger blockers. Had a better junior year than a senior year. Holds the Texas school record for 279 return yardage on interceptions. Considered a real leader on defense and has good cover skills one-on-one. Considered a smart player, who at times has had been a poor tackler, but his speed and agility are excellent. He is also a punt returner and may be added to the mix of those players chosen to press veteran Dave Meggett for a job.

Round 4/97 -- OG Damon Denson, Michigan

Several teams tried to get Denson with this pick and called the Patriots trying to make a trade. Patriots projected him late first round and definitely second round. He's a former defensive lineman considered a tough in-line blocker with impressive balance. He fires out low on the drive block and retreats quickly using his hands well to set up for pass protection. Not the fastest, recently timed at 5.38 in the 40. A Pittsburgh native, Denson was Michigan's starting defensive tackle his freshman year and switched to offense the following year. Considered somewhat of a project because of his inexperience at the position, but the Patriots think he's tremendously coachable and could groom into a top guard in the league in no more than a season or two. Needs more upper body strength.

Round 4/125 -- OT Ed Ellis, University of Buffalo

A project. Someone who might be inactive or start the year on the practice squad. He was considered one of the best tackles in the East, but definitely hidden and not recognized by a lot of scouts. Another "gamble" pick which some believe shouldn't have been made this high. Started the last three years. Considered a raw, but athletic tackle. With good coaching and patience could develop into a decent player.

Round 5/159 -- LB Vernon Crawford, Florida State

This was the Patriots' answer to a third-down pass rusher to go along with Tedy Bruschi. A physical player, but whether he'll be able to be a solid contributor remains to be seen. Has 4.92 speed, which is not great for an outside pass rusher. He can get himself tied up and doesn't have the instincts to escape. Enthusiastic and a real team leader. Started only one year at Florida State after transferring from San Francisco City College. Another guy with good physical tools, who has a great mentality for a special teams player, but is not expected to see a lot of playing time for the Patriots' defense.

Round 6/192 -- WR Tony Gaiter, Miami

A complete gamble, but at this pick the Patriots felt they had nothing to lose and everything to gain. The converted running back has blazing speed and has the potential to be a big-play receiver or kick/punt returner. Missed the start of the 1996 season with a cracked bone in his foot, but played the last nine regular season games catching 27 passes for 540 yards opposite Yatil Green. Is still learning the wide receiver position and some believe he might be too small to endure punishment as a punt returner, but can certainly turn on 4.4 speed at any moment and make a big play.

Round 7/230 -- OT Scott Rehberg, Central Michigan

Carroll quipped: "By this time in the draft room, we were all so gone we just said let's pick the biggest guy we can find." Another project. Huge (6-8, 320). He'll be one of the largest Patriots in history if he should stick. Definitely a practice squad guy who will provide a challenge for defensive linemen in practice. Has a lean lower body and needs definite strength work in his legs. His height takes away from some of his leverage techniques.